Subterranean room in the House of Amphitrite, Bulla Regia, Tunisia. Courtesy of the Getty Conservation Institute. Photo by Scott S. Warren

Roman Mosaics across the Empire

March 30, 2016–January 8, 2018, Getty Villa

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In ancient times, mosaics decorated luxurious homes and public buildings across the Roman Empire. Intricate patterns and figural scenes were created by setting small pieces of stone or glass, called tesserae, into floors and walls. Introduced by itinerant craftsmen, mosaic techniques and designs spread widely, leading to variety of regional styles. The mosaics in this exhibition date from the 2nd through the 6th centuries A.D., and come from far-flung places: Italy, North Africa, Southern France, Turkey, and Syria. Recovered from various archeological contexts, they provide a glimpse into the richly embellished architecture of the ancient world.

RELATED EVENTS

LECTURES

Samson in Stone: New Discoveries in the Ancient Synagogue at Huqoq in Israel's Galilee

Excavations in the ancient village of Huqoq in Israel's Galilee have brought to light the remains of a monumental 5th-century Roman synagogue paved with stunning and unique mosaics, including depictions of the biblical hero Samson. In this illustrated presentation, excavation director Jodi Magness describes these exciting finds, including new discoveries made last summer. Event is free, but ticket required.
Sunday, April 3, 2016, 3:00 p.m.
Getty Villa, Auditorium

Roman Mosaics: Evolution, Imagery, and Regional Characteristics

Mosaics first appear in the Greek world during the Hellenistic Age, yet it was under the Romans that they became ubiquitous across the Mediterranean world and beyond. Archaeologist Demetrios Michaelides examines the development of mosaics as an art form, its spread throughout the Roman Empire, and its contribution to our understanding of the ancient world. Event is free, but ticket required.
Thursday, June 16, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Getty Villa, Auditorium

HANDLING SESSION

How were mosaics created from pieces of stone and glass? Learn how these intricate architectural decorations were made in this multisensory handling session. Touch tools and materials similar to those used by ancient mosaicists, including tesserae, slaked lime, marble dust, and nippers. This is a free, drop-in program.
Thursdays and Fridays, March 31 through September 9, 2016; 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Getty Villa, Reading Room

TOURS

Curator’s Gallery Tours

The curator of the exhibition Roman Mosaics across the Empire leads a one-hour tour of elaborate mosaic floors from Italy and its provinces in Gaul, North Africa, and ancient Syria. Sign-up begins 15 minutes before the talk at the Tour Meeting Place.
Thursdays, April 28, May 19, June 2, 2016; 2:00 p.m.

MOBILE TOUR

Free GettyGuide® Multimedia Player

From subjects of myth, literature, and daily life to archeological find-spots, experts tell stories about a selection of mosaics on view. Pick up a multimedia player free of charge in the Museum Atrium.

VIDEO

Bulla Regia: A Model Conservation Project
Famed for its underground villas and mosaic floors, Bulla Regia is the site of an ancient Roman city located in Tunisia. The Getty Conservation Institute heads a model conservation project there, demonstrating best practices in the conservation of in situ mosaics.